A planned music video shoot for rapper Lil Baby erupted in violence Tuesday afternoon, leaving three people injured by gunfire. The incident, captured on camera by the locals, has raised concerns about safety on film sets and surrounding communities.
TMZ Hip Hop obtained footage showing the chaotic scene, which unfolded on Verbena Street in northwest Atlanta. The video depicts dozens of people setting up filming equipment when a barrage of gunshots erupts, sending staffers scrambling for cover.
According to Atlanta Police Department (APD) sources, the initial volley of shots, believed to be fired from a semi-automatic weapon in a white car, targeted a nearby group who appeared to be filming their own content.
BREAKING: Witness say Lil Baby was shooting a music video here in Atlanta when suddenly someone fired gunshots.3 young men were shot all in their 20’s. This is video that appears to show Lil Baby on scene. Police have not confirmed that he was the artist filming. @ATLNewsFirst pic.twitter.com/jiyiXRf4r2
— Tori Cooper (@toricoooper) May 15, 2024
"It sounded like a warzone," said Chasity Roman, owner of Slapping Tacos ATL, a local business in the vicinity of the shooting. Roman, who captured Lil Baby arriving at the scene shortly before the gunfire, described the aftermath as chaotic, with Lil Baby reportedly urging his team to leave the area.
The footage obtained by TMZ Hip Hop captures bystanders initially praising the gunmen for their "smooth" execution, before another voice advises someone to holster their weapon as the assailants had already fled.
Fortunately, the three individuals struck by gunfire – a 24-year-old male with an arm wound, a 27-year-old male shot in the back, and a 23-year-old male who sustained a neck wound and transported himself to the hospital – are reported to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Lil Baby himself was unharmed.
APD is currently investigating the motive behind the shooting.
This incident highlights the growing issue of gun violence within American cities, spilling over into unexpected situations. It remains to be seen whether the investigation will shed light on any connection between the targeted group and the music video production, or if this was a random act of violence.
